I have a Minn kota 38lb thrust trolling motor. I was wondering what is a good size battery for this motor. I know it has to be deep cycle but I am curious as to what size battery I need. I was thinking a size 27. Also should I get a gelled type. I will be using the motor/batt in a fish hunter 9ft raft and also a 10' fiberglass boat. Any ideas on a good brand or store with good prices??? I appreciate any info, Ryan

I have recently switched to jell batteries and the difference is huge. Much lighter, hold a charge way better (and charge up better and faster). It will cost 3x a regular deep cycle battery but it's worth it if you can afford it. Costco will be your best price I believe - $140 - ouch! But like I said, worth it. I pulled my trolling motor battery out after sitting for 6 months - it's still 90% charged.

As far as cost if you decide on a lead acid battery [and weight is not an issue] Wal-mart has several deep cycle. The higher the amp hour rating the longer the charge will last.
Remember to always charge your battery as soon as you get home and check the water every month or so. Then you will need a charger that is self regulating so the battery does not get overcharged and boils your water away. On second thought do what Mike said.
There was a great article in the In-Fisherman magazine about all the pro's and con's on all the different batteries.I don't remember what issue,but maybe you can find it on there web site.

As far as cost if you decide on a lead acid battery [and weight is not an issue] Wal-mart has several deep cycle. The higher the amp hour rating the longer the charge will last.
Remember to always charge your battery as soon as you get home and check the water every month or so. Then you will need a charger that is self regulating so the battery does not get overcharged and boils your water away. On second thought do what Mike said.
There was a great article in the In-Fisherman magazine about all the pro's and con's on all the different batteries.I don't remember what issue,but maybe you can find it on there web site.

Oh, that's right, thanks Bill. I forgot to mention, no adding water. Which really puzzled me the first time I checked on my battery and realized I didn't know how to check the charge with no water bulb gauge. So I hooked it up to my trolling motor which has a charge indicator. Now I have a battery clip-on charge indicator I got from Cabelas. Slick and easy - full charge.

Hey I saw your comment about which type of battery you should buy for your trolling motor. I work at Pacific Power Batteries, we sell "Batteries for Everything". We have many options for your deep cycle needs, and our knowledge is free, come on in. We are located in Everett, Marysville, Burlington and Monroe. The Everett's store number is 425-259-9260, if you want ask for me "Aaron", I will be glad to help you out.

Well Aaron aare there aany down sides to gel batteries than just the price. I know the weight and the power outputs are pluses to me.

I think deep cycle batteries work well, it allows you to charge and recharge them, and they don't blow out your wallet...about what size, you can go a few days on a big one...I think just get something as big as you can, it should weigh a lot but it should last you a while...

Well technically what everyone is refering to as a gel battery is actually getting mixed up with a A.G.M. battery. Gel has been superseeded by this new technology. In gel batteries the electrolyte was still free and suspended, in AGM batteries the electrolyte is absorbed into fiberglass cloth inside the battery and stuffed between the plates, so the battery is essentially dry inside, even if you puncture this battery it will not leak. One big advantage is an AGM battery is 80 percent useable amp hours as compared to 50 percent useable in wet cells.

Mike is your new battery square or does it look like 6 round cylinders tied together?

I'll tell you what ... after some nasty spills with std. lead acids that messed up the diamond plate on my flooring, I'm happy I made the switch to the trollfury battery (optima) ... no more mess and it's gone through twice as many cycles as my old batteries and still going strong

Six round cylinders together. And yeah123coo is right, it really is a "dry plate battery". My bad, easy to get sloppy with the terminology.

Bob, is that Optima a Gel or AGM?

Optima's are AGM... With spiracell plates...

What is a reasonal price for a decent trolling motor AGM battery?
Bill

Got mine at Costco - sit down - $149 for the blue trolling battery. The red starter is $109 I believe. But I'm hoping they will be worth it in the long run. Let you know in 2-3 years!